Meet Olivier Momma

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivier Momma a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Olivier, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Growing up, I moved to a new country every five years. This constant change made me adaptable and always eager for new experiences. As a kid, I dreamed of being an architect and spent hours sketching and designing buildings and homes. That early love for design kickstarted my creative journey.

I’ve realized my creativity hits its peak when I switch up my surroundings. Whether it’s a work trip abroad or just exploring a new part of Amsterdam, changing the scenery sparks my imagination. Each new place gives me fresh ideas and a new perspective.

Every day at 2 PM, I hit the gym. It’s like starting a second day for me. Working out recharges my brain, making me more productive for the rest of the day, and gives me the energy to work longer hours. This boost keeps my creativity alive and kicking.

Meeting new people is in my DNA. My best ideas often come from networking and having interesting conversations. I make it a point to meet new people every week, pushing myself out of my comfort zone to join trips and events with people I’ve never met before. These interactions bring new perspectives and spark creative thoughts I might not have had otherwise.

I’ve always been deeply interested in music. As a high school student, I messed around with GarageBand a lot and made many songs. I was in three bands, and this interest later evolved into becoming a hobby DJ. Now, I DJ on weekends at events, parties, and clubs. Music has always been a significant part of my life and it continues to inspire and energize me, ultimately keeping my creativity alive.

So, in a nutshell, my creativity thrives on change, physical activity, connecting with others, and a passion for music. I keep my creative spark alive and growing by constantly seeking new experiences and pushing my boundaries.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve spent the last nine years building Ekster, which has become one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer brands in the carry space. We’re a sustainable accessories brand known for inventing the first trackable smart wallet and designing better travel gear for people on the go. Currently, I oversee an international team of 45 individuals as the Creative Director.

My life has been a series of moves every five years, allowing me to live in countries like Japan, Italy, the US, and Hong Kong. This constant change taught me adaptability and fostered a love for new experiences. After completing a Fulbright scholarship in the US, I finished my bachelor’s at the Rotterdam School of Management. It was during this time, at the age of 22, that I co-founded Ekster.

In our first year, we successfully crowdfunded $1 million to create Ekster’s signature trackable wallet. Since then, we’ve expanded to tackle other daily essentials, giving them a modern touch. We’re proud to be registered as a B Corp, which reflects our commitment to using green materials and renewable energy sources like solar power while maintaining ethical business practices.

At 27, I was honored to be included in Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list, and I’ve strived to be a thought leader in our industry ever since. Our journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited about what the future holds for Ekster and our mission to innovate everyday carry essentials.

On a personal note, I’ve always been a thrill seeker. I’m an avid snowboarder and skier, having done a few heli-ski trips in Alaska and Japan. I’m also huge on kitesurfing. On weekends, I enjoy being a hobby DJ, and I play at events from time to time. These activities keep my creativity and energy levels high, fueling my work and personal life alike.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Adaptability

Adaptability has been essential throughout my journey. Moving around a lot during my younger years taught me to embrace change and thrive in new environments. This skill has helped me stay flexible and responsive in the fast-paced business world. Being naturally engaged in making new connections has also been a significant advantage.

Advice:

a) Embrace Change: Seek out new experiences and challenges that push you out of your comfort zone.
b) Network Actively: Build relationships with diverse people. Networking not only opens doors but also exposes you to new ideas and perspectives.

Visual Thinking and Design

I’ve always loved drawing and have a very visual way of thinking. This translated into a passion for graphic design and a perfectionist approach to aesthetics in branding and photography. Visual thinking has allowed me to communicate ideas effectively and create compelling, cohesive brand identities.

Advice:

a) Develop Your Visual Skills: Engage in activities that enhance your visual thinking, such as drawing, photography, or design.
b) Focus on Aesthetics: Pay attention to detail and strive for visual perfection in your work. This can significantly impact how your brand is perceived.

Open-mindedness

My international background has made me very open-minded to other ways of thinking, different approaches to business, and various cultures. This open-mindedness has allowed me to approach situations from multiple angles and find quick, efficient solutions. It has also prevented me from being confined to a single way of thinking.

Advice:

a) Cultivate Cultural Awareness: Travel, read, and interact with people from different cultures to broaden your perspective.
b) Be Receptive to New Ideas: Encourage diverse viewpoints and be willing to consider alternative approaches to problems. This can lead to innovative solutions and better decision-making.

Adaptability, visual thinking, and open-mindedness have been the cornerstones of my journey. For those starting out, embracing change, honing your visual skills, and maintaining an open mind can set you on a path to success. These qualities don’t just help in navigating the complexities of the business world; they also enable you to innovate and thrive in any environment.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, Ekster is actively seeking collaboration opportunities with like-minded brands and individuals who share our passion for innovation and sustainability. Our mission is simple: we strive to create better gear for life on the go. This means designing products that help people get the most out of their daily lives while minimizing environmental impact. Our aesthetics are rugged yet innovative, and we are looking for partners who align with our values and vision.

Types of Brands We Want to Collaborate With:
We are particularly interested in partnering with brands that are making a significant impact in their respective industries. Some examples of the types of brands we are looking to collaborate with include:

Yeti: Known for their durable and high-quality outdoor gear.
Nothing: An innovative technology company creating minimalist and user-friendly products.
Super73: Renowned for their stylish and functional electric bikes.
Soho House: A global private members’ club offering a creative and cultural hub.
Pelican: Famous for their protective cases and versatile gear.
Thule: A brand dedicated to making transportation easier and more efficient.

Ambassadors and Influencers:
In addition to brand collaborations, we are expanding our network of brand ambassadors. In the past, we have had successful collaborations with high-profile individuals like Andrew Schulz and Lionel Messi, where we created limited-edition collections and promoted them globally. Moving forward, we are looking to work with influential figures such as:

Joe Rogan: A prominent podcaster and comedian with a vast and engaged audience.
MrBeast: A YouTube sensation known for his large-scale stunts and philanthropic efforts.
Kyle Kuzma: An NBA player with a strong social media presence.
Alex Strohl: A renowned adventure photographer with a unique visual storytelling style.

How to Connect:
If you are interested in collaborating with Ekster, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at pr@ekster.com or connect with us on our social media platforms.

Contact Info:

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